Three-dimensional frame

ABSTRACT

An interchangeable display device having three main pieces combined to form a picture frame. The unique nature of the three-dimensional frame increases the variety for displaying items such as photographs, certificates and the like. Another embodiment incorporates this interchangeable display device as a table that is supported by legs. The first piece of the three dimensional frame is the outer shell, which simulates the stadium structure and is three-dimensional. The second piece is the interchangeable insert. The inner part of the insert has an adhesive print attached that looks like a sporting field, arena, rink, court, or floor with an open center for an article to be displayed. For further variety the interchangeable inserts can be interchanged with other interchangeable inserts having a different appearance. The last piece is a support ring that connects to the outer shell and adds strength to the overall structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/515,083, filed Oct. 28, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to picture frames commonly seen in homes, restaurants, offices, stores, etc. More specifically, it relates to a picture frame that introduces the ability to change themes that accompany photographs, certificates and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Picture frames have been around for many years, and can be found all over the world. They are often used to display captured moments and to showcase loved ones for remembrance. In this high volume market, frames are constructed relative to décor, color, material, theme, style and size.

Picture frames in use today are similar to the following patents:

-   -   U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,473     -   U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,765     -   U.S. Pat. No. 3,949,506     -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,365,683

Frames are typically designed and manufactured to hold picture(s) in the same decorative frame body. These frames are typically rectangular shaped with a glass or plastic front, an opening to change the picture and a device to support the picture to stand on a level surface. The design of the back of the frame may have a fixture or mounting on back for hanging.

A problem associated with this prior art design is that there is no variety within the same frame structure. The lack of variety results in having to purchase multiple frames. Additionally, such displays are limited to change of scenery and meaning. Further, a frame's main purpose is to be a personal way to display articles, and most frames are designed only to suit an area for a long period of time with no interchangeability.

The present invention focuses on providing a frame that can be used for a variety of sports oriented displays within one three-dimensional frame. The invention can be for personal use, advertisement, sponsor representation, or any suitable market. Additionally it is also possible to incorporate this invention as a trophy case or for use as a home furnishing such as a headboard for a bed, table, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The design of a three-dimensional picture frame is comprised of three main pieces and an optional fourth piece. The unique nature of the three-dimensional frame increases the variety for displaying items such as pictures, photographs, certificates of award or recognition and the like.

The first piece of the three dimensional frame is the outer shell, which simulates the stadium structure. The outer shell further has a three-dimensional structure formed of a light thin plastic material that can be easily and safely hung on a wall. It is possible to add further detail to the structure by adding guard rails, walkways, fences and gates to simulate the inside of arena's and stadiums.

The second piece is the interchangeable insert. This piece is also formed of a light plastic. The inner part of the insert has an adhesive print attached that looks like a sporting field, arena, rink, court, or floor with an open center for an article to be displayed. The print design does not necessarily have to be adhesively attached. It can also be painted directly onto, laser marched or screen printed directly onto the insert. The outer part of the insert is hidden under part of the outer shell and supports the outer walls of the outer shell. Added to the insert are three-dimensional components (e.g., goal post, nets, cones, etc.) for a particular sport to give a miniaturized life-like appearance.

The third piece of the product is the support ring or roof. The support ring is molded from plastic and also gives the structure strength and support.

The optional fourth piece is the picture supporting member. The picture supporting member simulates an object (e.g., football, soccer ball, hockey puck) used for a sport. For example, a football arena would have a picture supporting member having the appearance of a football positioned about the picture. The invention, once assembled, may be hung on a wall using conventional fixtures attached to the back of the second piece.

A second embodiment also makes it possible to have one side of the invention be flat so it can stand on a table or other flat surface. A third embodiment incorporates the interchangeable frame as a table having one or more legs attached to a table backing. A transparent top extends across the upper surface of the outer shell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the interchangeable display device picture frame embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an expanded perspective view of the interchangeable display device frame embodiment having an optional insert, and hollow pocket;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the interchangeable display device table taken along section line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interchangeable display device table embodiment; and

FIG. 5 is an expanded perspective view of the interchangeable display device table embodiment having an optional sports ring, second interchangeable insert, and hollow pocket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 of the invention, an interchangeable display device 10 in this particular embodiment of the invention is a picture frame for hanging on a wall or standing on a horizontal surface. The interchangeable display device 10 has three main components, a three dimensional outer shell 12, an interchangeable insert 24 and a support ring 30.

The three dimensional outer shell 12 has three dimensional features that give the interchangeable display device 10 a stadium-like appearance. The outer shell 12 has a central aperture 14 formed in a generally central region of the outer shell 12. A plurality of tiers 16 extend upward from an edge 64 to an upper rim 18 on the outer shell 12. In addition to adding the overall three-dimensional structure of the interchangeable display device 10, the plurality of tiers 16 function to give the overall appearance of stadium style seating (e.g., bleachers). A wall 20 extends downward from the upper rim 18 to a bottom edge 22. The outer shell 12 has a three-dimensional shape and there is a hollow region formed under the plurality of tiers 16.

The three-dimensional outer shell 12 is made of thin, lightweight thermoformed or molded plastic material. Preferably, the material is a vacuum formable plastic such as polystyrene or PETG clear material. However, if injection molding is used, a suitable injection molding would be used. The outer shell 12 has a substantial amount of flexibility which allows the wall 20 and bottom edge 22 to bend and connect to the interchangeable insert 24. Additionally, it is also possible for the outer shell 12 to have a different shape in order to mimic other stadium structures. For example, the outer shell 12 may have a shape that would more appropriately look like a baseball stadium (i.e., a diamond shape), or it may have a more customized shape to look like a specific well recognized stadium (e.g., Wrigley Field, Tiger Stadium, Ford Field, etc.). This way the interchangeable display device 10 is customized to have a certain specialty appearance.

The interchangeable insert 24 has a wall 65 that is part of the inner portion 26 that aligns with the edge 64 of the outer shell 12. An outer portion 28 of the interchangeable insert 24 extends underneath the hollow portion formed under the plurality of tiers 16 and is engageable to the bottom edge 22 of the outer shell 12. The engagement between the outer portion 28 of the interchangeable insert 24 and the bottom edge 22 is a close tolerance or interference slip fit engagement, such that tabs (not shown) along the bottom edge 22 grasp the edge of outer portion 28. The interchangeable insert 24 provides stability and support to the outer shell 12. Furthermore, the interchangeable insert 24 is used as a backing for mounting the interchangeable display device 10 against a wall, as well as providing a place for mounting an object to be displayed, such as a photograph, award or other object. A bracket 29 can be fixed to the back side of the interchangeable insert 24 to allow the entire interchangeable display device 10 to be hung on a wall using said bracket 29. The bracket 29 can be connected to the interchangeable display device 24 using fasteners or adhesives. Additionally, it is possible for the bracket 29 to be molded to or integrated with the interchangeable display device 10 during the injection molding process.

Along the upper rim 18 of the outer shell 12 a support ring 30 is connected. The support ring 30 can be connected to the outer shell 12 using several different arrangements. One way of connecting the support ring 30 to the outer shell 12 is to have tabs 31 extending from the bottom of the support ring 30 that align with holes 33 that have been pre-punched on the upper rim 18. A second way is use other types of fastener arrangements such as snap fitting, screw fasteners or other types of removable fasteners to connect the support ring 30 to the upper rim 18. The support ring 30 provides protection to the outer shell 12, as well as adding an overall roof-like appearance to the interchangeable display device 10.

The interchangeable insert 24 has an aperture 32 located in a generally central region of the inner portion 26. The aperture 32 is used for accessing an object 62 such that a photograph, award or other document can also be attached to the back side of an object supporting member 34. Field markings can be placed on the inner portion 26. In one particular embodiment, the interchangeable insert 24 is transparent so it simulates glass or ice to look like a hockey rink. The aperture 32 of this particular embodiment is a window. A hollow pocket 60 is formed on the back portion of the window. The hollow pocket 60 allows an object 62 to slide into the pocket and be held in place for viewing. The object 62 is displayed by looking at the object 62 through the window. It should be noted that the hollow pocket 60 can be incorporated as an alternate arrangement on all the other embodiments of the invention in order to ease the process of positioning the object 62 in the aperture 32.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross sectional view taken of section line 3-3 in FIG. 2. In particular FIG. 3 shows how the interchangeable insert 22 snap fits with the outer shell 12, additionally, the support ring 30 can be seen as connecting to the outer rim 18 using a tab 31 that connects to the apertures 33 in the upper rim 18. The interchangeable insert 24 has an outer portion 28 that can be seen underneath the plurality of tier 16 of the outer shell 12. The wall 20 of the outer shell 12 has a bottom edge 22 that flexes to cover the edge of the outer portion 28 of the interchangeable insert 24. The outer portion 28 of the interchangeable insert 24 also has an elevated ridge 68 that contacts the plurality of tiers 16 to create and interference fit between the elevated ridge 68 and the bottom edge 22 of the outer shell 12. The wall 65 that serves as a boundary for the inner portion 26 of the interchangeable insert fits next to the edge 64 of the aperture 16 of the outer shell 12 creating an interference fit. Under the plurality of tiers 16 there is a hollow cavity 70. The hollow cavity 70 contributes to making the interchangeable display device 10 lightweight. The wall 65 may also have three-dimensional components incorporated thereon. For example, it may be desirable to have miniaturized objects that look like Plexiglas boards similar to those found around a hockey rink. The wall 65 may also contain advertisements faced along the wall 65 interior. These advertisements will give the interchangeable display device 10 a more realistic stadium type feel. Additionally, the advertising wall could be used as a promotional item on the insert for advertisers or sponsors who might pay for such items.

FIGS. 4-5 depict an additional embodiment of the interchangeable display device incorporated as a table. As shown, an interchangeable display device 10 has a table backing 46 having an aperture 48. In this particular embodiment the table backing 46 has a general shape of a rectangle with rounded edges, and an aperture 48 that also generally has the shape of a rectangle with rounded edges. The shape of the table backing 46 and aperture 48 can vary depending upon the type of interchangeable display device 10 being used. For example, with the interchangeable display device 10 were going to depict a tennis court it may be more appropriate to have a rectangular shape aperture.

A set of four legs 50 are mounted to the underside of the table backing 46 at a location generally near each of the four rounded corners. The set of four legs 50 allow the interchangeable display device 10 to lay flat at a height high enough to be used as a table. While this particular embodiment depicts the use of four legs 50 it is also possible to have other embodiments that have a fewer or greater number of legs depending on the size of the table backing 46 or weight of the load that the interchangeable display device 10 must hold. At the top of each of the four legs 50 is a post 52 that functions to screw into a recess in the table backing 46 in order to connect the legs 50 and stabilize them to the table backing 46. For additional support L brackets 56 have been connected between the table backing 46 and with two sides of the table legs 50. The L brackets 56 provide further structural support for the interchangeable display device 10. It is within the scope of this invention to have a greater or less number of L brackets 56 depending upon the amount stability and weight that the interchangeable display device 10 will be holding.

The interchangeable insert 24 is fastened to the table backing 46 using a plurality of fasteners 54. Once the interchangeable insert 24 has been connected to the table backing 46 the outer shell 12 and support ring 30 can also be connected in the same fashion as described above for the three dimensional picture frame embodiment.

This particular embodiment will also include a transparent top 58 that is positioned between the outer shell 12 and the support ring 30. The transparent top will extend across the upper rim 18 providing a smooth flat planer surface of the interchangeable display device 10 can be used as a table. The transparent panel 58 can be made of glass or any other transparent material such as plastic, sapphire, quartz or the like.

FIGS. 2 and 5 show the interchangeability of the interchangeable display device 10. An object support member 34 is connected around the aperture 32. The object support member 34 can be molded to look like a football, soccer ball, baseball, or hockey puck. FIGS. 2 and 5 show the object support member 34, which has a round hockey puck shape. Alternatively, a second object support member 34′ can be interchanged with object support member 34. The second object support member 34′ has a football shape. The object support members 34, 34′ have an aperture 35, 35′. While FIGS. 2-5 show the object 62 being placed in the hollow pocket, it is also possible for the object 62 to be placed under the object support members 34, 34′ and to be viewed through the aperture 35, 35′. In an alternate embodiment, the aperture 35, 35′ in the object support members 34, 34′ also include a generally transparent plastic or glass window that covers the aperture 35, 35′ thus protecting the object being displayed. The aperture 35, 35′ may also be open if desired. FIGS. 2 and 5 also show the interchangeable aspects of the interchangeable insert 24.

Two interchangeable inserts 24 that each include the inner portions 26 having a design 36, 36′ is adhesively bonded to inner portion 26. However, embossing, laser printing or etching or the like may be used for imbedding the design in the plastic if desired. The design 36′ has markings that mimic a football field. The design 36 has markings that mimic the markings of a hockey rink. The design 36, 36′ has a great deal of detail such as displaying team names, field markings, colors, etc. While only two distinct print or laser designs 36 have been described herein, it is possible to incorporate virtually any desired appearance. For example, it may be possible to have a print or laser design that mimics a soccer field or a basketball court. Additionally, the inner portion 26 may also have three-dimensional components fastened to the inner portion 26. Examples of possible three-dimensional components are goal posts, flags, cones, figurines, etc.

The outer shell 12, as well as the support ring 30, can also be customized. It is also possible to install three-dimensional components on the outer shell 12 of the interchangeable display device 10. For example, it may be desirable to incorporate safety gates, seat numbers, or other items on the outer shell 12. The various components of the interchangeable display device can also be color coordinated. For example, the support ring 30, outer shell 12, interchangeable insert 24 and object support member 34, 34′ can all have various colors, designs, or patterns on their surfaces. In operation, the support ring 30 provides structural support to the upper rim 18 and generally to outer shell 12. The support ring 30 may be changed depending on the season or picture displayed. Thus, the device is customizable to seasons or an individual's preferences. Additionally, individual sponsors may wish to place advertisements on the support ring.

Another embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 2-3 involves disposing a light source 72 inside of the hollow cavity 70. When the light source 72 is illuminated, the surface of the plurality of tiers 16 will glow. The light source 72 is positioned to set on the elevated ridge 68 of the outer portion 28 of the interchangeable insert. The light source 76 can be an incandescent, neon, LED or any other suitable light emitting device. A light casing 74 extends over the surface of the light source 72 and extends downward to the surface of the outer portion 28. A fastener 80 is used to hold the light casing 74 in place. The fastener 80 extends through the outer portion 28, into a wood backing 82 that circumvents the bottom side of the outer portion 28 of the interchangeable insert 24. Additionally, it is possible to substitute the wood backing 82 with a washer or wing nut that will hold the fastener 80. In order to supply power to the light source 72 a transformer 78 is mounted to the outer portion 28 and a wire 76 extends from the transformer 78 to the light source 72 for transmitting power to illuminate the light source 72.

The incorporation of a light source 72 can be used on all embodiments of the invention. On the table embodiment of the invention (shown in FIGS. 4-5) the fastener 80 can be driven into table backing 46 with no wood backing 82 being used.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 

1. An interchangeable display device comprising: an outer shell having a three-dimensional surface, wherein said outer shell has an aperture and a bottom edge; and an interchangeable insert connectable to said outer shell, wherein said interchangeable insert has an inner portion formed to fit into said aperture.
 2. The interchangeable display device of claim 1, wherein said outer shell has a plurality of tiers extending from said aperture to an upper rim.
 3. The interchangeable display device of claim 2, further comprising a wall extending downward from said upper rim to a bottom edge.
 4. The interchangeable display device of claim 3, wherein said interchangeable insert has an outer portion hidden under said plurality of tiers, wherein said outer portion engages said bottom edge and provides support to said outer shell.
 5. The interchangeable display device of claim 4, further comprising an elevated ridge on said outer portion that engages the plurality of tiers, and a light source positioned on said elevated ridge, wherein said light source causes said outer shell to glow when said light source is illuminated.
 6. The interchangeable display device of claim 5 further comprising a light casing that circumscribes and holds said light source, and a fastener that fastens said light casing to said outer portion, wherein said fastener is driven into a wood backing placed under said outer portion.
 7. The interchangeable display device of claim 6 further comprising a transformer mounted on the surface of said outer portion and a wire connecting said transformer to said light source.
 8. The interchangeable display device of claim 1, wherein said inner portion of said interchangeable insert has a raised wall having one or more advertisements attached.
 9. The interchangeable display device of claim 2, further comprising a support ring that connects to and circumvents said upper rim of said outer shell.
 10. The interchangeable display device of claim 9, further comprising one or more holes in said upper rim of said outer shell and one or more tabs extending from the lower surface of said support ring, wherein said one or more tabs are configured to connect said support ring to said outer shell.
 11. The interchangeable display device of claim 9, further comprising a transparent top connected between said outer shell and said support ring.
 12. The interchangeable display device of claim 1, wherein said inner portion of said interchangeable insert has a print or laser applied design application applied to said inner portion that can be viewed in said aperture of said outer shell.
 13. The interchangeable display device of claim 12, wherein said design application is designed to look like one of a ground consisting of a football field, and ice arena, a basketball court, or a soccer field.
 14. The interchangeable display device of claim 1, wherein said inner portion of said interchangeable insert has an aperture extending through said interchangeable insert.
 15. The interchangeable display device of claim 1, further comprising three-dimensional components connected to the inner portion of said interchangeable insert.
 16. The interchangeable display device of claim 1, further comprising three-dimensional components affixed to the outer shell.
 17. The interchangeable display device of claim 1, further comprising two or more additional, different interchangeable inserts each an inner portion decorated with a sports theme design, wherein said sports theme design of said two or more interchangeable inserts each have a different design that focuses on a specific sports theme.
 18. The interchangeable display device of claim 1, further comprising: a central aperture located in said interchangeable insert for displaying an object; and a picture supporting member configured to be positioned about said aperture in said interchangeable insert.
 19. The interchangeable display device of claim 18, further comprising a transparent portion of said interchangeable insert, wherein said transparent portion is a hollow pocket configured to slidably accept an object for viewing through said transparent portion.
 20. The interchangeable display device of claim 1, further comprising: a table backing connected to said interchangeable insert; and one or more legs connected to said table backing.
 21. The interchangeable display device of claim 20 further comprising a light source positioned under said outer shell, wherein said light source is held in place with one or more fasteners that are connected to said table backing.
 22. The interchangeable display device of claim 1 further comprising a light source positioned under said outer shell, wherein said light source causes said outer shell to glow when said light source is illuminated.
 23. A three-dimensional picture frame kit comprising: an outer shell; an interchangeable insert connectable to said outer shell; and a support ring connected to said outer shell.
 24. The three-dimensional picture frame kit of claim 23 further comprising two or more additional, different interchangeable inserts each having an inner portion decorated with a sports theme design, wherein said sports theme design of said two or more interchangeable inserts each have a different design that is focused on a specific sports theme.
 25. The three-dimensional picture frame kit of claim 24, wherein said outer shell has a three-dimensional shape with a plurality of tiers extending from a generally central aperture to an upper rim, wherein said plurality of tiers are designed to have the appearance of stadium seating, wherein said aperture is aligned with said inner portion of said interchangeable insert.
 26. The three-dimensional picture frame kit of claim 23, further comprising: a backing connected to said interchangeable insert; and one or more legs connected to said backing.
 27. The three dimensional picture frame kit of claim 23, further comprising a transparent top connected between said outer shell and said support ring.
 28. The three-dimensional picture frame kit of claim 23, further comprising: a central aperture located in said interchangeable insert for displaying an object; and a picture supporting member configured to be positioned about said aperture in said interchangeable insert, wherein said picture supporting member has a sports themed shape.
 29. The three-dimensional picture frame kit of claim 25, wherein a portion of said interchangeable insert is a transparent portion.
 30. The three-dimensional picture frame kit of claim 29, wherein said transparent portion is part of a hollow pocket configured to slidably accept an object for viewing through said transparent portion.
 31. The three-dimensional picture frame kit of claim 28, wherein said picture supporting member has a shape and appearance that looks like one of the following: a football, basketball, tennis ball, baseball, hockey puck, golf ball, or soccer ball.
 32. An interchangeable display device comprising: an outer shell; an interchangeable insert connected to said outer shell; a support ring connected to said outer shell; a table backing connected to said interchangeable insert; and one or more legs connected to said table backing.
 33. The interchangeable display device of claim 32, further comprising a transparent top connected between said outer shell and said support ring.
 34. The interchangeable display device of claim 32, further comprising: an aperture located in said interchangeable insert for displaying an object; a picture supporting member configured to be positioned about said aperture in said interchangeable insert; and an aperture in said table backing configured to align with said aperture of said interchangeable insert.
 35. The interchangeable display device of claim 34, further comprising a transparent portion of said interchangeable insert, wherein said transparent portion is a hollow pocket configured to slidably accept an object for viewing through said transparent portion.
 36. The interchangeable display device of claim 32 further comprising support struts extending across said aperture of said table backing, wherein said support struts are configured so they cannot be seen through said aperture of said interchangeable insert and provide support to said interchangeable insert. 